Wales rugby league superstar Regan Grace has confirmed his switch to rugby union in a move which could pave the way for a call-up to Wayne Pivac's team.
The St. Helens winger will switch codes later this year to link up with Top14 side Racing 92 at the end of the current Super League season, opening up the possibility of a Wales call-up under Pivac. Since making his debut for the Saints in 2017, Grace - who would be dual-qualified with his father from England - has proven to be one of the code's deadliest finishers.
In 138 appearances for the Super League giants, he has crossed for 86 tries. However, the 25-year-old, who hails from Port Talbot, will now try his luck in the 15-a-side game after signing a 12-month contract with the Paris outfit.
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He had been offered a contract extension by St Helens and had several Gallagher Premiership outfits keen to secure his services, while the Welsh teams have now also missed out amid suggestions of dithering and having already spent their player budgets for next season. The idea of the Welsh Rugby Union signing him was floated but evidently nothing came of it.
Asked about his dual eligibility, Grace previously said: “My dad (Leroy) is from Birmingham. I am aware that would make me eligible for England but it’s something I haven’t thought about... As a kid, Jonah Lomu was my big hero, then Shane Williams and Jason Robinson.’’
Grace said of his code switch: “I want to thank everyone at St Helens especially Eamonn McManus, Mike Rush as well as academy head coach Derek Traynor for bringing me up here and taking a risk on a young kid from Wales. It was a big move for me and I have loved every minute of being here.
“All the years being here, the club and coaches have looked after me well and have given me my chances. Thanks also to all of my teammates who I have had the privilege of playing with. And of course, I want to thank all the St Helens fans, in particular the Imperial Exiles who sponsored me and looked after me when I first came over. Thanks also to the Donnelly’s and my partner's family too who have all played their part and help me feel at home. The town has been a big part of my life. I have spent my entire adult life here and it has become my home. It was such a hard decision to leave because of those emotions, but I want to go and test myself and experience a new challenge.
"To win three Super League titles and a Challenge Cup has been a dream come true and my full focus is now ensuring we win a fourth title at the end of the year."
Saints chairman Eamonn McManus added: "Regan has been an exciting and important contributor to the major successes of the Saints in recent years. We clearly very much wanted him to stay at the Saints and in Super League in the years ahead. However, we fully accept and respect his decision to pursue a new career, life and lifestyle in France and wish him and his family every happiness and success."
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